You Can Take Several Steps To Protect Yourself, Home Or Business Before, During And After A Flooding Event
Before A Flood Event
- Create a communication plan.
- Create an evacuation plan.
- Establish a meeting place.
- Assemble an emergency kit.
- Take a risk assessment.
- Sign up for emergency weather notifications.
- Prepare your home. Use tarps, sandbags, dry vacs, etc.
- Prepare your family and pets. Charge your essential electronics and backup chargers.
- Install water vents, sensors and backflow apparatuses if able.
- Save important documents using cloud services or store them in waterproof containers or off site.
- Clean debris from gutters, downspouts and outside drains.
- Review insurance coverage with your agent to understand what additional coverage(s) you may need.
After a Flood Event
- Listen for local warnings, news and information about the water supply, shelters and medical facilities.
- Avoid moving water.
- Stay on firm ground.
- Try not to travel through flood waters. Often, flooded areas are slippery, contain debris, and have unsafe roads and walkways.
- Stay clear of roadways. Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas and unnecessary congestion can hamper rescue or restoration efforts.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Exercise caution when entering a home, business or a premise surrounded by water.
- Check or connect with family, friends or neighbors.
- Do not turn on or plug in any electrical outlet or item until it is safe to do so. Determine how to safely have service restored.
- Use battery operated devices until safe to do otherwise.
- Clean, sanitize, disinfect or remove anything that got wet or damaged.
- Make note of damage or spoilage. Try to protect the premises or items from further damage.
- Gather your insurance, medical or important information.
- Contact your insurance agent to discuss claims or other needed contacts.
- If you hire cleanup or repair contractors, check references and credentials and be sure they are qualified and authorized to do the job.
- Rest and take one day at a time. Seek emotional support or assistance when necessary.
During a Flood Event
- Stay connected/informed: If possible, listen to NOAA weather radio and television, check the internet and social media for information and updates on weather conditions or evacuation information.
- If you have time, move essential items to an upper floor or place items in the attic; bring in outdoor furniture and secure your home.
- Turn off utilities at main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- Secure your pre-assembled waterproof container(s) with your important items and documents and use what you need from your emergency kit.
- Get to higher ground: If you live or work in a flood prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, search for higher elevations as quickly as possible.
- Obey evacuation orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
- Practice electrical safety: Don’t go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged.
- Stay out of water that may have electricity in it. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises—leave the area!
- Avoid flood waters: Don’t walk through flood waters. It only takes six inches of moving water to knock you off your feet.
- If you trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911.